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| - Reds Wine Tavern is a Sir Corp-standing for Service Inspired Restaurants-venue with two locations in the core of Toronto, a growing sister brand to the unfailingly popular Jack Astor's that the corporation also owns.
Though we live closer to the Yonge & Gerrard location, Reds Midtown Tavern, we decided to check out the Reds downtown in the financial district, located at 77 Adelaide St W. After a month-long closure in 2012, the restaurant has since re-invented itself as a cheery after-work hotspot with fabulous food.
20121017-5The Good: A light, shareable menu with plenty of seafood: Pacific albacore tuna tataki, crispy calamari, oysters & PEI mussels. A smattering of pub favourites like chicken wings and cheeseburger sliders convince the grease-cravers to stay, while fresh and inventive salads-avocado & lobster cobb, and a Mediterranean-style lamb sirloin-are pleasant additions to a well-rounded menu. Large tables with plush seating on the second floor leave diners with a glowing view of Adelaide Street below, while a bar & lounge downstairs caters to a drop-in clientele.
The Bad: The tuna tataki was a bit overdone, and the service was very slow. It appeared that the restaurant was understaffed on the particular night we visited, and there was a large birthday party which commanded most of our waiter's attention.
Overall: Reds may not be somewhere you want to eat when you're in a rush. While our food took a long time, we were served our drinks right away; our seats were so comfortable that we didn't mind. The music is somewhat hushed for such a prime and trendy location, which made for a surprisingly relaxed and un-rushed Friday night dinner. Reds definitely facilitates a catch-up with old friends, and is romantic enough for an intimate date. It ultimately does a good job of disguising itself as a chain.
The Crowd: Plenty of 30-something business people indulging after work, early to mid 20-somethings enjoying a night out with friends
Pricing: $7.00-17.95 for appetizers, $13.85-34.00 for entrees, $7 & up for drinks
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